1. One of Alisa’s coping mechanisms was: “If I pretend it doesn’t exist, it will go away.” What are your own ways to cope when things get too awful to face head on?
2. Lacey and Alisa’s belief systems differed quite a bit, but the two women still had a strong friendship. Why do you think Alisa felt she could show her true face with Lacey more than with her other friends?
3. Alisa and Rick practiced tough love on Kurt when he was at his lowest point. When thinking about it, Alisa makes the statement that her head tells her one thing, her heart another. What’s your opinion?
4. Jodi and Monte sold everything and moved to an olive farm in Templeton because they “felt led.” Have you ever felt deeply called to something? To what have you attributed that inner confidence?
5. Alisa spent a lot of time wondering whether Kurt was guilty, and trying to convince herself that he was not. Would you have asked him the question as soon as you found the bat? Would you have told the detective? Or would you have done what you could to help your son succeed in his new life?
6. In all likelihood, Lacey was correct: Gary Singer would almost surely end up in prison again, even if Alisa saved him by coming forward. Would you be able to trade your son for this man?
7. After Alisa saw the baby, she had a pretty good idea it really was Kurt’s. Did she do the right thing by letting another family adopt the baby without ever knowing for sure?
8. Both Alisa and Theresa Singer blamed themselves for the path their sons’ lives went down. Do you agree that they were at least partly responsible?
9. When Kurt confessed to Detective Thompson, both he and Lacey wanted Alisa to keep quiet about destroying the bat. She chose to come forward. What would you have done?
10. If you were on the jury, would
you say that Kurt was guilty of murder?
